Over 50% Electricity Deficit In Meghalaya, Completely Unacceptable: High Court

The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the severe electricity deficit plaguing the State. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh emphasized the need for the exploration and implementation of small capacity hydel electricity generation projects.

"It is completely unacceptable that the quantum of deficit would be in excess of 50 per cent. It is possible that because of low rainfall or other problems there is a shortfall for some period and a shortfall which may be not more than 10 per cent of the daily demand. It seems that the shortfall here is more than 50 to 60 per cent of the demand and such a situation cannot be acceptable in this day and age where both business and domestic life almost come to a standstill without the availability of electricity," it observed.

The High Court's order came in response to a petition filed earlier this year, highlighting the insufficient power generation and the adverse impact on the State due to low pre-monsoon rainfall.

The State had earlier argued that the situation would improve with the onset of the monsoon season and the rise in water levels at the Umiam reservoir. However, the court observed that the earlier affidavit submitted by the State indicated a significant gap between the demand and supply of electricity, with the daily demand reaching approximately 200 mega units while the supply only amounting to 88 mega units. The bench observed that State had failed to disclose the current demand and supply figures or outline the measures taken to augment electricity supply.

The Court deemed this lack of transparency concerning and called for a more comprehensive report detailing the larger picture across the State, including district-wise information. The court also urged the State to explore additional power sources from the national grid and other available avenues to reduce the prevailing shortfall. As a long-term, it asked the State to explore small capacity hydel projects which can be implemented at a relatively low cost to cater to the immediate locality.

The court also stressed the need for a 10-year or 20-year plan that takes into account future demand, ensuring steps are taken to bridge the gap between demand and supply.

"Indeed, a 10-year or a 20-year plan has to be made out, taking into account the increased demand in future, to ensure that adequate steps are taken either to generate electricity or to purchase or obtain supply thereof from other sources to ensure that, ideally, there is no gap between the demand and the supply", the bench said while scheduling the matter again on July 25, 2023.

Also Read: Electricity Not A 'Luxury': Meghalaya High Court Criticizes Frequent Power Cuts, Says State Has Duty To Ensure Adequate Supply

Case Title: Flaming B. Marak vs State of Meghalaya & ors

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